As demand and opportunity increase for locally-based, small-scale manufacturing businesses such as microbreweries, textiles, food production, and other crafts, Lowell has recognized the need to build an infrastructure that supports them. So the City asked Smart Growth America to help create a more robust environment for small-production businesses to locate throughout the Acre, and increase economic opportunities for all residents in the city. Our technical assistance program for Lowell was designed to build local capacity, support economic development and planning efforts, examine development challenges, assist in potential policy changes, and help coordinate among city agencies and partners.
Lowell has multiple locally owned banks that are actively seeking ways to invest in the city, specifically entrepreneurs. The city also has strong partners in the non-profit development community, who are actively thinking about job creation in the small-scale manufacturing sector for its target population. This type of small-scale business is moving into downtown and the Acre neighborhood, with a number of businesses settling into the area in just the last two years. Lowell is also well-positioned to attract entrepreneurs from nearby Cambridge and Boston, and brand itself as a regional maker-supportive hub by partnering with nearby cities such as Lawrence.